All three countries represented among Player of the Year candidates -- the U.S., Mexico and Costa Rica -- advanced to the knockout stage of this summer's World Cup. The U.S. and Mexico were eliminated in the round of 16, while Costa Rica reached the quarterfinal before losing on penalties to the Netherlands.

At the World Cup, Tim Howard recorded 16 saves against Belgium, a tournament record. He also helped Everton finish fifth in the 2013/14 Premier League. Clint Dempsey scored twice for the U.S. in four World Cup games and helped Seattle Sounders win the 2014 MLS Supporters' Shield and advance to the Western Conference Final.

Americans Abby Wambach, Alex Morgan, Carli Lloyd, Hope Solo and Lauren Holiday are among ten finalists for the Female Player of the Year award.

U.S. men's national team coach Jurgen Klinsmann and women's national team coach Jill Ellis are nominated for Coach of the Year. LA Galaxy coach Bruce Arena, who just won his fifth MLS Cup, is also nominated.

U.S. midfielder Jermaine Jones' World Cup goal against Portugal is nominated for goal of the year, along with Meghan Klingenberg's goal for the women's national team against Haiti in October.